Mid 30-degree temperatures did not deter the 50-plus groundhog aficionados from gathering 7 a.m. Feb. 2 at Wehr’s Dam, South Whitehall, to watch Jahde and his nephew, Lee, float down the Jordan Creek.

As members and supporters of Grundsau Lodsch Nu. 16 awaited the groundhog’s weather prediction, they were treated to cookies and hot beverages.

Lodsch Haaptmann David Adam of Orefield opened this year’s ceremony by welcoming everyone in Pennsylvania Dutch.

As some of the attendees gathered at the edge of the Jordan Creek to watch Jahde and his nephew make their way down the creek on a raft, others sang “America (My Country, Tis of Thee),” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Nellie” and “She’ll be Coming Round the Mountain” in both Pa. German and English, along with Adam.

According to Adam, when the walking path was installed in 2019, Jahde and Lee were too shy to come out.

Lee told Adam because of the walking path it doesn’t rain in their hole anymore, so they are happy with it now.

Adam said Lee told him when he came out of his hole on Feb. 2 he saw his shadow, so there would be six more weeks of winter.

Tradition has it that Jahde, who only speaks Pa. German, relays his predictions to Lee, who then tells Adam.

Jahde and Lee will be the guests of honor at the annual banquet of Grundsau Lodsch Nu. 16 at 6:30 p.m. March 6 at the Schnecksville Fire Company, Schnecksville.

For more information about the banquet, call Dave Adam at 610-395-4282.